With Motion

Banda Conmocion. The first encounter with Chilean music. And not just music. Seeing this band perform was like getting a high speed course of Chilean culture.

For instance, take 'time', as a highly insecure variable. When the starting time (for what, you will be asked later) is scheduled for 11 p.m. that doesn't imply that the band will actually start at 11 p.m. According to everyone involved in the specific appointment (concert, date, official meeting), no one pointed out 11 p.m. as exact starting time. It could mean that you can get in line, can drink a beer in front of the venue, talk to other visitors, read the program ...again... or just cross your arms and wait. Because most importantly, it means tipin (phonetically), which is Chilean for approximately. So don't be surprised if you will be let in an hour later and if the band will start playing at 1.30 a.m. It's just the way things ago. And as you see that nobody seems to worry about it, you might as well let it rest too.

Secondly, once the doors open and the waiting line (with you in it) will start to move, don't be surprised if a bunch of unseen (until that moment) people will magically appear. Don't blame them, of course it's all your own fault for not protecting your spot. So watch out for the word 'permiso' , which in the contrary of what an English-speaker might believe, has nothing to do with asking permission. It's a statement. The person is declaring you that he or she will stand in front of you and consequently will get in sooner than you will.

Third recommendation: everything with the word 'pisc..' in it. Try it, but watch out! This highly addictive, innocent-looking and most of all cheap species of booze will make or break your night. Just so you know.

Four: Dancing with other people. Even though Chile appears to be a highly westernized and individualistic (emancipated) society, its jealous Latin heart still burns. So smile, laugh, wiggle or shake whatever you want, but don't dare to dance with other people's pololos or pololas. Stick to your own partner, inner alter ego or the chicos and chicas that have been standing by themselves for more than a safe amount of time.

Last, but not least. Once you understand the rules, you'll have a blast of a time. This band in particular is a real treat. The 24 excited musicians will do whatever it takes to make you cry, laugh, dance, jump, yell, wave and boogie. Just give in to the circumstances. The sooner you will, the sooner you'll see the beauty of it all.


NOTE This specific video was taken during the Carnaval in Valparaiso and not at the venue un Santiago.